All the places I went in 2018
It’s a new year which means it’s time to show off all the places I went in the last year. In 2018, I didn’t travel outside of North America at all. In fact, the only international destination I went to was Mexico (several times actually!). It was my first time in Utah, first time in Careyes, Mexico, and by some odd chance, my 2nd time in Chicago due to bad weather layover (it’s my favorite city outside of NYC).
Not pictured here is the great state of Hawaii which I was once again able to visit, but this time to an island that I’ve never been before — Kauai (it’s where Jurassic Park was filmed). If I’m remembering correctly, I think that’s 3 or 4 times to Hawaii in the last 3 years.
This year was also the first year in probably over a decade (I think?) that I visited Florida. Shooting here was interesting because it was the first time in a long time that I had to worry about humidity ruining equipment. Also, West Palm Beach is a nice but very weird and posh place.
Another highlight of my travels this year was getting to go to Bethlehem, PA! Although many years too late, coming here with Charlene allowed me to check off one of my bucket list exploration items — Bethlehem Steel. The facility was mostly rehabilitated and turned into a park, but seeing this massive complex in person was a real treat. Can’t wait to go back!
As you can see, much of the middle and Mid-West of the United States is pretty empty on this map. In 2019, I’d love to go more to the “middle of nowhere”. I’ve got my flight trackers set! READY TO GO!
Everywhere I went in 2017
This year was a big one for me. I traveled quite a bit and managed to checkin on Foursquare to an astonishing 1460 locations. I have been doing these maps since 2012 and every year I still find myself really enjoying just the visual aspect of how much (or how little!) I've covered the world in my travels.
The year started off with me going to Bahamas and Hawaii (twice!), then later bringing me to Portland, Maine and Santa Fe, New Mexico before heading overseas to Barcelona, Spain (twice!).
It was yet another busy year of discovering New York, but what stood out to me was how much of New York I have yet to really venture out to. Looking at the map below (which isn't 100% accurate based on these checkin coordinates), I can see that I want to make 2018 the year where I explore the deep ins and outs of Brooklyn (Brownsville, Flatbush, and East New York, I'm looking at you!).
Another notable thing I noticed this year was that I really went all in with Los Angeles. I was lucky to go there several times this year and it felt like a 2nd home in many ways this year. I would gladly do it all again the same way.
PS: Swarm/Foursquare now actually does this map automatically for you. The only reason I still like making my own is because I get to archive it forever and ever.
Foursquare for 2016
2016 is over and that means I have finally compiled my 2016 Foursquare travel map. I kept it simple this year with most of my exploring concentrated to NYC with a few trips dispersed throughout the world due to traveling with work.
Looking at this map, I think my goal this year is to explore less of the world and more of NYC. I mean, there's so much to know about NY and I've barely scratched the surface. Time to get crackin!
A preview of my 2016 map
I'm a huge fan of Foursquare. But not really for its social aspect or food reviews. I like using Foursquare because it allows me to make a visual map of the places I've been every year. And just like I've been doing for the past few years, I'm prepping my map for 2016. With just another week or so left of December, 2016 is winding down to be my most-traveled year yet. I'm hoping to continue that trend.